How much does tree removal cost in 2023?
It can be quite a feat to remove a tree, especially if it’s a very large plant, close to buildings, or one amongst many that need removing. Of course, this means that the price varies wildly from job to job. If you want an exact price, you’ll need to contact an arborist for a quote, usually as part of a free inspection.
However, if you’re looking for a rough guide price on what it might cost to do a particular job, we have a few figures to share. It is important though to keep in mind that each job is different, and that many factors can and will impact the cost of the work. You can find what these are further down the article, but for now, we’ll dive straight into some numbers.
The price to fell a tree
To give you some broad context, we’ve listed a few examples below of what you could expect to pay. We’ve presented the price as a range to show just how much your quote might differ, depending on the size of the tree, and complication of the felling. These are average tree removal costs, and are by no means to be considered a definitive price list from any arborist.
Standard tree felling
£300 to £3,000
Large oak with team
Medium birch tree with team
£500 to £800
There are of course thousands of species, each with their own unique quirks and challenges that impact the cost of tree removal. If you’d like a better idea of what to pay, we really recommend that you get in touch with a qualified tree surgeon and request a quote.
The cost of other arborist services
Of course it’s not just the price of tree felling when it comes to the work of an arborist. There are many other services offered by these highly skilled professionals, often performed alongside tree removal. Again, we’ve provided a few examples of what to expect to pay for such work below.
Tree debris disposal
£50 to £100
Tree trimming
£100 to £500
Stump grinding
£70 to £300
Of course you may want to leave the stumps in place, or prefer to remove the tree clippings yourself, but the above services can really help to clear the space. Sometimes removing the tree is only half the battle!
What is the day rate of an arborist?
The amount a tree surgeon will charge depends on factors like his experience, the size of his team, and even geographical location. Below is an average rate that should give you an idea of costings for the labour alone.
Day rate per tree surgeon
£250 to £400
Day rate for a 3-person team
£700 to £950
Very rarely will a job be simple enough for a tree surgeon to complete by themselves. A lot off the time you can expect a pair, or even a small team of arborists to attend the site, especially if it is a complicated job. This doesn’t just mean the work is done efficiently, but it makes the whole operation a lot safer too.
What factors impact the cost of tree removal?
As mentioned above, there are many different aspects that will affect the cost of having a tree removed, or similar arboricultural work done. These include, but are by no means limited to, the below.
Tree inspection costs
Whilst most arborists will be happy to supply a free quote for tree removal, you may request a more detailed inspection of the trees. This level of inspection goes far beyond what you would expect from a free quotation, and can end up contributing towards the cost of the job.
Size and quantity of trees
This may sound obvious, but it will probably cost more to cut down five trees than it would to remove one, but there are of course exceptions! A particularly mature oak tree could take days to bring down properly, whereas a row of conifers at the bottom of the garden could come down in an afternoon. This is why contacting your tree surgeon for a quote is the best way to be sure of the price before committing to the job.
Condition of trees
It’s very hard to know how complex a job could be without knowing the condition of a tree. A big part of the job is climbing trees to cut them down, but if parts of the tree are not in good condition, there’s no guarantee they could support the weight of a climber. As such, the condition of a tree can add many safety complications to the job.
Type of work that needs doing
It’s almost impossible to know the type of work a tree felling job can require until the site has been surveyed. It might be a simple procedure where the tree can be felled in one piece. Alternatively, it may require the tree to be dismantled in sections, or even have parts gently lowered from a height by pulleys. The different types of work will add a great level of variety to the time required, and as such will affect the cost of the tree surgery.
Access to the trees
A lone tree standing in the middle of an empty field is a lot easier to work on than one that is overhanging a road. The easier a tree is to access, the lower the cost will be. Of course, that means that the harder the tree is to access, the more expensive the quote! Again, it’s the simple matter of additional time required to carry out the job safely. No qualified tree surgeon will rush a job at the expense of your safety, your property, or their own health.
Any prep work needed
No job is quite as simple as arriving with a saw to start hacking down the tree. Time needs to be taken to prep the area, ensuring there is a clear path for the tree to fall, and that no debris is going to land where it shouldn’t.
Want to know the exact cost of tree removal?
Whilst we hope that this article has given you a helpful guide to the costs involved in tree surgery, we can provide you with a more accurate estimate. Contact us today! There’s no obligation, and we’ll be able to give you an accurate price very soon after the initial survey.